Inaugural Address To The Masonic Archæological Institute, Upon Friday, 29th January, 1869.

and of those of ancient times , all pursuing their several courses of research . Tims too we shall accumulate facts with regard to all nations , the Tried and other Societies of the Chinese , the practices of American Indians , as described by our member , Mr . Hepworth Dixon .

Each of these again contributes to auxiliary branches of study . Symbolism admits of practical illustrations , and can be traced among many widely-separated nations . The main history , however , is that of the human mind iu all ages , exercising a general influence on the destinies of mankind , constantly repeating

examples of the same phenomena , and illustrating ancient continuity even in what appears to us a new development of later times . To a certain extent , the history of Freemasonry must be the history of philosophy . The consideration of these topics will not admit of

their prosecution simply by dissertations , dry or amusing ; tlicy will depend much on discussion and the communication of auxiliary or corrective facts from individual observers ; more , in fact , on discussion than on exposition . The collodion of manuscripts , drawings , engravings , paintings , caricatures , seals , clothing , and every detail illustrative of the various topics is essential to their proper treatment , aud will contribute to its interest .

In fact , what has been seen in the lodge-room will give a very inadequate idea of what may be accomplished in this Inslitutc ; but yet it must be under much the same moral circumstances , there must be the same forbearance , the same brotherly feeling , the same common desire to promote the cause of good . In

accomplishing this design , much must be left to the result of experience , and too much cannot be expected at first , Much , too , must be left to the discretion of the Council , fur it is not easy to frame rules at once . Thus , even with regard to the admission of visitors , no certain law can be laid down at first , If we are to

have profitable and pleasant discussions , wo shall have to train our members , and to use discretion in the invitation of strangers . Masons , not members , who have a special knowledge of a subject , are desirable co-operators , and will have to be sought for . In adopting for this Institute the same basis as the Other arclneologieal societies , and with a small

subscription , it is hoped that it has the like prospect of practical success . At all events , this question is already settled , that not only are there numerous topics available , but that there are those competent and willing to deal with them , whether by the way of proposition or discussion . Here , again , we must

narrow our expectations . Some , from native zeal for a good cause , will readil y come forward in Ihe first instance ; but there are many who will naturally wait to see that their contributions are not thrown away , and some of these loiterers will be among the most valuable co-operators . Thus there are many who

have private collections , which they may give us in the course of lime , but which they naturall y do not wish to risk on an early venture . The more we persevere , and the more safely we proceed , the more assured shall we be of greater and greater success . In the progress of such a society , if properly conducted , we shall find new resources for the advancement of Masonry . What Lodges and Chapters of

Instruction are for the routine , what the Lodge of Emulation is , now meeting in a neighbouring room , this Institute will become for the hi gher functions of Masonry . It will be a necessary supplement to all degrees , a repertory of information on all subjects with which the time and organisation of Lodges of

Instruction cannot cope , and yet wliich will send many a member with new zest to Lodges of Instruction to master the detail , feeling a greater interest in the principles . It cannot- fail , by communicating a greater interest in Masonry , to induce many esteemed members to adhere more steadfastly to their Lodges , and we

may win back some of those who have left . It may , too , have this good effect , that it will constitute a new career in Freemasonry , now restricted to the administrative career , which is not sufficient forall . From circumstances , some find sufficient inducement in i he performance of Lodge and Grand Lodge

offices , and in ihe management of our charities ; but this cannot satisfy all . There is no reason why this Institute should not supply constant subjects of interest , nor is it to be feared that it will want attractions for men of science , because it will not be narrowed in iis investigations to Freemasonry in its technical limitations , but extend to such scope as to afford the most liberal treatment and discussion of many great questions .

In dealing with the relations of an organisation which embraces above a million of men in all regions of the globe , we may be useful , and must become contributories to Ihe advancement of learning , it may even be by carrying out a legitimate work of Freemasonry indissipating error , ns in the detection of unauthorised

legends . It does not , however , necessarily follow that ,, ou determining that the relative antiquity of a practice or legend is less than was assumed , we should at once proceed to its abolition . We may retain that symbolically which is no longer required to be used by us as an actual tool or material . It must be that , while

evendestroying what is false or ill-founded , we shallcontribute to the building up and maintenance of what is true . At all events , we know this , that , in destroying anything that is false , we shall never undermine ( he great principles of our association ,, and that , combined together in the worship of the , Great Architect of ihe Universe , it is our duty to

maintain the principles of truth and virtue , and to appl y them for the welfare of our fellow-men . In bringing all things here discussed to these standards , in considering the past and preparing for the future , we may draw lessons from the experience of . former ages , learn lo avoid the errors of those who have

gone before us , and to profit by their good teaching .. Thus will the intellectual aspect of Freemasonry conform to its moral pretensions , and thus may it attain its real elevation . In this endeavour we shall be engaged in dispelling prejudices , and in cultivating reason , and where we can do no evil we must by

active exertion achieve good . If we effect anything useful , the benefit will not be confined to ourselves ; it will bo no monopoly of ours , but a boon freely diffused , as indeed Freemasonry itself has been . Here we are so fused together by the practice of tolerance , confirmed and promoted by Freemasonry itself , that we scarcel y appreciate the advantages of Freemasonry j but ou looking at it in its relation to the world at